Thanks to M_R_Thurman for the Forum post...
So, I'm writing this no reason other than to help other Navy guys that wish to transfer over to the Merchant Marines. I'm a newbie myself, but this is just some advice and experiences.
So a brief Background. I served 8 1/2 years in the US Navy. The first 18 months in Nuclear Power School, the following 7 years as a mechanic on … [Read more...]

This YOUblog featured article was submitted by one of gCaptain's top contributors, Ordinaryseaman, otherwise known as Anthony, who was recently accepted to PMI's Workboat Mate Program.
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Howdy everyone!
For those who don't know, PMI and their sister school MITAGS offer an excellent program for entry level and experienced mariners to obtain a mate's license aboard … [Read more...]

We have received many great article submissions in gCaptain's YOUblog section, the place where mariners get a chance to blog, but few posts have received the quick acclaim of this "news" article by first time participant Humorist. Enjoy... … [Read more...]

The National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (The primary industry advisory committee that provides security policy guidance to the US Coast Guard) has recently engaged in the issue of seafarer's access to shore leave.
NMSAC was tasked to research the issue and provide guidance to the USCG on the issue. You can read a review of the detailed report they issued here … [Read more...]

I review shipboard incidents every day. It's what I write about. Unfortunately, there's plenty of material out there. The other day, something came across my desk. At first, I thought it someone's idea of a joke. “Artful,” I said to myself, “There is no way that this really happened.” It was then I came to the realization that this paper was no joke . . … [Read more...]

At the risk of incurring the wrath of gCaptain and the marine industry in general, and exposing my own naivety at the same time, here is a scenario for consideration:
A US shipping company has a fleet of Jones Act vessels and trading routes between US ports. The ships are aging, (maybe even steam driven), and becoming uneconomical to run. They may be more polluting and … [Read more...]